Southeast New Mexico College to Welcome Zuni Olla Maidens to Carlsbad

(CARLSBAD, NM) In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Southeast New Mexico College Diversity Committee in partnership with Devon Energy, will be welcoming the Zuni Olla Maidens to Eddy County.  The event will be held at the CIS P.R. Leyva Auditorium on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 5:30 PM. Admission to the event is free of charge.

The Zuni Olla Maidens are one of the most renowned dance tribes known across the state of New Mexico and nationwide. The tribe is from Zuni Pueblo in western New Mexico, equally well-known for singing, drumming, and their trademark dance balancing pottery on their heads, as well as being all-female. The Zuni Olla Maidens are also unique in that their group has always consisted of related women, making it a family affair for more than 70 years.

“It is an honor to be a part of bringing the Zuni Olla Maidens to Carlsbad. This is an exceptional opportunity to experience the culture of New Mexico at its finest.” Said SENMC President, Dr. Kevin Beardmore.

On February 29th, 2024, The Zuni Olla Maidens were the recipients of the National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment for the Arts.  which is the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional art.

SENMC Library Director and Diversity Committee Chair, Samantha Villa stated, “I really admire these amazing women. Not only are they willing to share their culture with us, most of them are also educators! We are grateful they accepted our invitation to perform.”

For more information regarding the event, please contact SENMC at (575) 234-9200 or visit senmc.edu

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